In 18months or so I'm looking at doing South America but want to make a big trip of it;
1. I'm looking into a tour (which at this point, I will not negotiate doing - for security, family's peace of mind, ease, the social aspects etc) which runs for 4 months either from Quito to Rio or Rio to Quito including; Ecuador, Peru, Boliva, Argentina, Chile & Brazil.
2. The tour company also runs some very cheap 'language' school programs where you stay in the home of a local family in Quito and have 20hours/week of individual classes at a Spanish language school - I definitely wanna do 2 weeks or so of something like this (and obviously one of the first so I can use the Spanish to my benefit on the trip)... but wouldn't mind doing this in Argentina or Rio if they're available (and as safe to do as in Quito).
3. Galapagos Islands (5 days?)
4. An Antartica cruise where my mum might be meeting me for this portion of the trip. (Starts in Argentina). If I'm correct these usually run from December - March only. Oh and I'm looking into a cruise with companies such as Kumuka, Tucan, Peregrine, etc which are all about $10,000AUD is this the best way to do it or is there other equally good options?)
So knowing this - what's the best way to do this - in order to keep from flying to here there and everywhere to a minimum and best time of year to do the best bits). Am I cramming too much? (The Antartica cruise is going to eat into my budget big time)... I heard that in Ushuaia you can hire all the sub-zero equipment (jackets, boots etc) you may need for your Antartica cruise so I don't need to factor in this). Although, I would like to factor in shopping :D where's the best shopping? I don't wanna buy heaps of great things and then have to cart them in a back pack for another 5 months :P
Opinions and suggestions would be great :D Oh and I'm 19 and my best friend may also join me for the 4 month tour but probably won't be able to afford much else (and as I said my mum may join me for the Antartica cruise section). I will be running on a budget - but not so cheaply to be willing to risk my safety. (I do have a long time to save up).
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